Two cars with outstanding motorsport pedigree will be on display at this weekend’s Rétromobile, ahead of their sale in Monaco later this year

In association with

A 1933 Bugatti Type 51A with extensive pre-war racing history, along with an unrestored 1972 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Lightweight, will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at its Monaco sale.

Ahead of the auction on May 12 – the same weekend at the Historic Monaco Grand Prix – both cars will be on display at Rétromobile this weekend.

RM Sotheby’s Paris stand will feature the Type 51A in French Racing Blue. Chassis number 51154 was first registered by Automobiles Ettore Bugatti at Préfecture du Bas-Rhin on 4 July, 1933.

It was then raced by 36-time grand prix winner René Dreyfus and Claude Bossu. More recently, the car has run at the Goodwood Revival and Historic Monaco Grand Prix.

An ‘incredibly original’ 1972 Porsche 911 2.7 RS Lightweight will also be previewed ahead of the sale. This car is part of a small, single-owner collection of significant Porsches that will be auctioned at Monaco.

Adding to the lot’s appeal, the 911 is totally unrestored and accompanied by ‘outstanding’ documented provenance.

It was delivered new to the late racing driver Leo Kinnunen. He is remembered as the first Finnish driver to race in Formula 1, but he was also a works Porsche driver. Following a test in a 917, Kinnunen was signed to partner Pedro Rodriguez in the World Sportscar Championship for 1970. The pair won the season-opening Daytona 24 Hours and later secured the overall title for Porsche.

Kinnunen also competed in the 1000 Lakes Rally in 1973, and used the 2.7 RS as his reconnaissance car.

The Porsche is finished in Tangerine Orange with a black interior and is also notable for being fitted with a prototype whale-tail rear spoiler. Its ST flared arches were fitted by Porsche at Kinnunen’s request.